CVE-2019-1010241 in Credentials Binding Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Credentials Binding Plugin Jenkins 1.17 is affected by: CWE-257: Storing Passwords in a Recoverable Format. The impact is: Authenticated users can recover credentials. The component is: config-variables.jelly line #30 (passwordVariable). The attack vector is: Attacker creates and executes a Jenkins job.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1010241 affects the Jenkins Credentials Binding Plugin version 1.17, presenting a critical security flaw categorized under CWE-257 which addresses the storage of passwords in recoverable formats. This weakness specifically manifests in the config-variables.jelly file at line 30 within the passwordVariable component, creating a significant risk for authenticated users who can exploit this vulnerability to recover sensitive credentials. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices where passwords are stored in a manner that allows for their recovery by unauthorized parties who have access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of credential variables within the Jenkins job execution environment. When an attacker creates and executes a Jenkins job, they can leverage the vulnerable code path to access and recover passwords that should remain protected. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly encrypt or obfuscate password values during the configuration process, allowing them to be stored in plaintext or in a reversible format within the job configuration files. This exposure occurs because the system does not adequately enforce secure credential handling practices, particularly when dealing with variable substitution and configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems and resources protected by the compromised credentials. Authenticated users with sufficient privileges can exploit this weakness to recover passwords stored in Jenkins, potentially gaining access to database systems, application servers, cloud environments, and other critical infrastructure components that rely on the compromised credentials. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only the ability to create and execute Jenkins jobs, which represents a relatively common privilege level in many Jenkins environments where developers and administrators frequently have such capabilities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Jenkins Credentials Binding Plugin, reviewing and restricting job creation privileges, and implementing additional access controls to limit who can execute jobs that might expose sensitive information. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for credential management and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 which covers credentials from password storage modules. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 A02:2021 - Cryptographic Failures, emphasizing that sensitive data should never be stored in recoverable formats without proper encryption mechanisms. The incident underscores the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include regular security assessments, privilege reviews, and comprehensive credential management policies to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.